Transcript Highlights:

• Section two uh is in response to doing.
• Section three uh originally specified.
• So, it just replaces some of the reporting requirements in section two.
• Section four requires agencies to maintain energy and water benchmarks and goals.
• Section six just changes the title of the section.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to begin with section three of it, the third item down.
• /c><00:04:42.960><c> begin</c><00:04:43.199><c> with</c><00:04:43.840><c> uh</c><00:04:44.800><c> section
• </c><00:04:45.280><c> three</c><00:04:45.600><c> of</c> like to begin with uh section three of like to
• begin with uh section three of it.<00:04:46.479><c> The</c><00:04:46.720><c> third</c><00:04:47.120>
• </c><00:47:32.880><c> on</c><00:47:33.520><c> disclosure</c> uh but there is a section on disclosure

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee approved the November 7 minutes with three abstentions and then received status updates on several ongoing audits. Audit staff reported that the special education oversight audit was in report-writing, with 34 of 71 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The education freedom accounts audit had 22 of 41 observations completed, with a draft also expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The Doorway program audit had 5 of 13 observations completed, with a draft expected by the end of February and a final report by April or May. The committee then discussed possible new oversight topics, prompted by concerns about fraud in other states and the need to ensure New Hampshire programs are not vulnerable. Members suggested hearing from DHS officials, contract administrators, and possibly the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit about SNAP and other programs, as well as reviewing staffing levels in HHS contract management. There was also discussion of whether to revisit the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, though members noted that prior work on that area had been suspended because of litigation. A representative from HHS, Teresa Narrow, briefed the committee on the Bureau of Developmental Services. She said the state had been in compliance with CMS since July 1, 2023 after resolving issues tied to a system redesign and billing changes, and that provider-side billing problems had also been fixed. She also described three existing bodies involved in developmental disability housing oversight, including the Council on Housing Stability, the ABLE Housing Task Force, and a legislative study committee created by HB 168 in 2024. Committee members asked for her notes to be shared. The committee spent substantial time debating whether to pursue a new special education audit at the school-district level. Members discussed the need to examine why some districts have much higher special education rates and costs than others, and whether a statistically selected sample of schools could be used. Audit staff said no new audits could begin until about May or June and that only a couple of auditors would then be available. Members also noted that a legislative study committee is already working on special education and may issue a report later this year, and the committee appeared to leave the school-level audit idea as a potential future item rather than taking immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• ..examine the qualifications, elections, and returns of the members-elect, pursuant to Article 3, Section
• . examine the qualifications, elections, and returns of the members elect, pursuant to Article 3, Section
• Representative McClure, House Joint Resolution 5019, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to section
• And this is the section that carves out some, a section for FAMU, explicitly allows the Board of Trustees
• And Representative McClure, I actually want to turn your attention to Section 120.

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• This section updates Minnesota's network adequacy standards to match the federal for the state-based
• While HF 2627 includes a grandfather clause, it is not a true protection under Section 4D.
• Because you look at the Frenchies that are being bred right now, most of them just need C-sections to
• Because you look at the Frenchies that are being bred right now, most of them just need C-sections to
• Because you look at the Frenchies that are being bred right now, most of them just need C-sections to

Bills: HF2543 , HF2566 , HF2627

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been brought to my attention that Mason's section 150, for points of parliamentary inquiry, so
• <00:32:52.080><c> Mason's</c><00:32:53.080><c> section</c><00:32:53.519><c> 150</c><00:32:54.519><c>
• for</c><00:32:54.720><c> points</c> section Mason's section 150 for points section Mason's section 150
• Senator Latz, point of order under Mason section 491, paragraph 4.
• Senator Latz, point of order under Mason section 491, paragraph 4.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, this bill's language is in section 13.65, subdivision 1, which does not fall under the purview
• I rise under Mason section 124, subsection 1.
• , or 1365, which is the Data Practices section on the Attorney General to cover data that was not on
• </c><00:56:21.319><c> 1365</c> individuals if it meant for Section 1365 individuals if it meant for Section
• on the Attorney General to cover section on the Attorney General to cover data<00:56:28.599><c> that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that deals with a there's a section that deals with a person<00:18:16.000><c> who</c><00:18:16.320><
• Can you explain the amendment to the sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statute, sections 712
• We'll move the definition of seeks medical or law enforcement assistance into the definition section
• </c> assistance into the definition section assistance into the definition section of<00:58:06.720><c
• </c><00:58:08.520><c> 712</c> of that part of the chapter section 712 of that part of the chapter section

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I work very closely with the Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas.
• The first recommendation would be to amend Health and Safety Code Section 260.004.
• That section is entirely permissive; cities and counties may require permits.
• So that means Section 260.051 didn't even apply; the criminal penalty was unavailable from the start.
• So this committee may consider recommending an amendment to Section 3255 that creates an aggravating

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, prior to the Louisiana ruling, they thought it violated Section 2, but since that's changed, we're
• And they also said we did not overturn Section 2 of the Voting Rights Amendment.
• But what they did do to Section 2 was make it a little more difficult and harder to prove if you drew
• This case was only a Section Two violation, was not a 14th Amendment violation at all.
• </c><01:17:38.160><c> two</c> This case was only a section two This case was only a section two violation

Bills: SB1

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: special primary election, redistricting, State Senate districts, federal court ruling, injunction, vacated order, election calendar, 2026 general election, 2026 primary election, runoff election, party nominee, Governor proclamation, Alabama elections, district boundaries, court-ordered redistricting, special election, nomination process, Secretary of State, election law, 1136

Transcript Highlights:

• one and two of but there were sections one and two of the<00:07:23.919><c> bill</c><00:07:24.240><c>
• three of the bill touch upon in section three of the bill as<00:07:40.479><c> it</c><00:07:40.639><c
• Um, we are designated under the federal government section 306E of the Public Health Service Act, 42
• U.S.C. section 242k, which is in RSA 5C:4.
• </c> Public Health Service Act 42 USC section Public Health Service Act 42 USC section 242<01:06:37.359

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're going to discuss changing other sections to the statute, I just think it would make sense,
• </c> changing other sections to the statute. changing other sections to the statute.
• </c><00:27:20.159><c> But</c> section by just limiting to that.
• But section by just limiting to that.
• Um, instead of because if you notice in the section on personnel, right, it's public employees.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee held a work session on HB 313, a bill dealing with non-public sessions and when a person discussed in such a session should be notified or allowed to request that the meeting be open. The chair opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and invited public comment before committee discussion. The main public testimony came from Phil Jaru, who described a personal dispute with local officials and said the bill should ensure people are notified when they are being discussed in closed session and can request an open meeting. He also argued for limits on non-public sessions, saying they should not be used for matters outside the board’s authority or for what he characterized as gossip, while also trying to avoid interfering with investigations. Committee members focused on the practical and legal problems with the proposal. Several members questioned whether a person should have a right to attend, to demand an open meeting, or simply to receive notice, and whether that right should apply before the meeting or only once the discussion begins. Members raised concerns about situations involving multiple people, children, victims, or other confidentiality interests, and whether a request to open the meeting could conflict when one person wants openness and another wants privacy. One member suggested the bill may be too broad and proposed narrowing it to simple advance notification, possibly by email, rather than an automatic right to open the meeting. The discussion also touched on existing law governing non-public sessions, including the narrow “reputation” exception and Supreme Court cases interpreting it. Members noted that the current statute already limits non-public discussion to the matters stated in the motion, and some suggested that if the concern is boards using non-public sessions for unrelated discussion, that issue may be better addressed by clarifying the existing statute rather than expanding the bill. No vote or final action was taken; the committee appeared to continue working through possible amendments and whether the bill should be narrowed to notification or a right to attend rather than a right to force the meeting open.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is that we would like to see a definition of "kali" be included within section 4, just to be
• And that is that we would like to see a definition of "kali" be included within section 4, just to be
• And that is that we would like to see a definition of "kali" be included within section 4, just to be
• 2, as well as section 4.5 in 2022.
• 4.5 in 2022 so we as well as section 4.5 in 2022 so we applaud<00:38:47.319><c> the</c><00:38:47.520

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> time and the provisions of that section. time and the provisions of that section.
• I think the question from Senator Al was more on section six, the changes that were in there.
• </c><01:12:13.360><c> six,</c> from Senator Al was more on section six, from Senator Al was more on section
• >> Yeah, that was section five that they were... >> Yes, the temporary licensing... >> Section two. >
• >> Yeah, that was section five that they were... >> Yes, the temporary licensing... >> Section two. >

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To section 8, subchapter D, the non-economic damages that start at page 20 and are issues in terms of
• Disclosure obtained under section 4105B. That's all. All medical records from that provider.
• Are there more than one section of this bill that you believe raises constitutionality questions?
• The miniature section definitely raises constitutionality questions. Any other part?
• They did an emergency C-section and took the baby out.

Bills: SB 30 , SB 517 , SB 1313 , SB 1314 , SB 1316 , SB 1541 , SB 1698 , SB 1845 , SB 1860 , SB 2420 , SB 2429

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• It could mirror the Department of Revenue's process, a short description of intent followed by a section-by-section
• It could mirror the Department of Revenue's process, a short description of intent followed by a section-by-section
• It could mirror the Department of Revenue's process, a short description of intent followed by a section-by-section
• It could mirror the Department of Revenue's process, a short description of intent followed by a section-by-section
• It could mirror the Department of Revenue's process, a short description of intent followed by a section-by-section

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• President, pursuant to Section 74-709, Idaho Code, I submit from the records of this office the enclosed
• 15, 2006, Jennifer Novak, Secretary of the Senate: Dear Madam Secretary, as required by Idaho Code Section
• 15, 2006, Jennifer Novak, Secretary of the Senate: Dear Madam Secretary, as required by Idaho Code Section

Summary: The Senate convened with 29 members present and six excused absences, establishing a quorum. After the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the chamber approved the January 15 journal and received communications, including a Secretary of State notice listing registered lobbyists and a Governor’s report on the Emergency Fund. The report noted fund balances and expenditures related to a University of Idaho investigation and Operation Esto Perpetua, along with committed assistance for ICE operations. In committee reports, the Judiciary and Rules Committee said Senate Bills 1221, 1222, and 1223 were correctly printed. SB 1221 was referred to Commerce and Human Resources, while SB 1222 and SB 1223 were referred to Resources and Environment. The Senate also advanced through the order of business to miscellaneous announcements. During introductions and announcements, Senator Van Orden welcomed Cheryl Lambert, a constituent and vice chair of the Public Charter School Commission, and thanked the chaplain for incorporating the Idaho and America 250 program into Friday prayers. A capital security training session was announced for immediately after adjournment. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kitsburgger continued that section two would create a new portion in the agency's chapter of statute.
• Uh<00:03:12.640><c> section</c><00:03:13.120><c> two,</c><00:03:14.400><c> uh</c><00:03:14.560><c> this
• two, uh this would be a new Uh section two, uh this would be a new portion<00:03:16.319><c> uh</c><00
• The next section is starting on line 4.24.
• That provision directly conflicts with Minnesota Statutes section 504B.216, subdivision 7B.

Bills: HF4207 , HF3639 , HF3981 , HF3064 , HF2123

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, landlord regulations, tenant rights, minor children, lease agreements, eviction, privacy protection, housing, lease termination, medical care, death, infirmity, landlord obligations, St. Paul, public housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment clarifies the Florida anti-kickback law in Section 456.054.
• The amendment clarifies the Florida anti-kickback law in Section 456.054.
• The amendment clarifies the Florida anti-kickback law in Section 456.054.
• The amendment clarifies the Florida anti-kickback law in Section 456.054.
• This amendment to section 943.10, Section 14, formally includes them as officers and includes them in

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and doctor-of-the-day introduction, then moved through a long special-order calendar. Early proceedings included a resolution honoring former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber also heard several member introductions and recognitions before taking up bills. The most substantial debate centered on CS/CS/SB 1758 on public assistance and Medicaid/SNAP reforms. The bill would strengthen fraud enforcement, impose a Medicaid work requirement for able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services through a waiver, modernize Medicaid pharmacy purchasing, and require a SNAP fraud-reduction plan and photo ID on EBT cards. Senators Berman, Smith, Bracy Davis, Osgood, and others argued for Medicaid expansion and added protections for vulnerable SNAP recipients, while Gates defended the bill as a compliance and cost-saving measure. Multiple amendments were offered, including Berman’s Medicaid-expansion condition and Osgood’s SNAP photo-ID safeguards; both were defeated. The bill was placed on the calendar for third reading after extended questioning. The Senate then passed a series of bills, often substituting House companions before final vote. These included tax conformity legislation (7031/7048), technology and computer science education (1503/1694), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public-records measures (1443/1684), designation of the SS American Victory as the official state flagship (249/1656), electronic payments for local governments (967/1612), legal tender and related public-records exemptions for gold, silver, stablecoins, and virtual currency kiosks (1311/1588/1087/7044/1568), local government finance and spending transparency (1329/1566), digital voyeurism (1536), insurance customer representative licensing (1343/1504), and medical freedom legislation (1756) with amendments on anti-kickback rules and vaccine information materials. Most bills passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with several amendments adopted and some withdrawn; the medical freedom bill was still under consideration at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:19.359><c> concerning</c> nothing in this section concerning nothing in this section concerning
• </c> section E is not required at all. section E is not required at all.
• Section 2 of our bill is definition.
• Section 2 of our bill is definition.
• </c><03:20:51.040><c> I</c> in that section to bolster it up? I in that section to bolster it up?

Committee: Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that subsection uh, section 5.
• </c><05:09:48.718><c> This</c><05:09:48.958><c> is</c> covered in the prior section.
• This is covered in the prior section.
• The second section is a little bit more complicated.
• The second section is a little bit more complicated.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all